Billy Corgan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Billy Corgan
Corgan performing with The Smashing Pumpkins in 2019
Born	William Patrick Corgan Jr. (1967-03-17) March 17, 1967 (age 58) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Musician singer songwriter professional wrestling promoter
Years active	1985–present
Spouse(s)	Chris Fabian ​ ​ (m. 1993; div. 1997)​ Chloe Mendel ​ (m. 2023)​
Children	2
Musical career
Genres	Alternative rock alternative metal hard rock psychedelic rock grunge
Instruments	Guitar vocals keyboards bass
Labels	Caroline Virgin Reprise Warner Bros. Sumerian BMG

William Patrick Corgan Jr. (born March 17, 1967) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, and main songwriter for the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. He is the only member who has been in the band since it started. Corgan also owns and promotes the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) since 2017.

Corgan started The Smashing Pumpkins in Chicago in 1988 with guitarist James Iha. Soon after, bassist D'arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin joined them. The band became very popular in the 1990s, selling many albums and playing big tours. After the band broke up in 2000, Corgan and Chamberlin formed a new band called Zwan. Later, Corgan released a book of poetry called Blinking with Fists (2004) and a solo album, TheFutureEmbrace (2005). He then brought The Smashing Pumpkins back together in 2007. The band, with Corgan and other changing members, has released new albums and toured a lot. In 2017, Corgan released his solo album Ogilala, and in 2019, he released Cotillions.

Besides music, Corgan co-founded Resistance Pro Wrestling in 2011. He joined TNA Wrestling in 2015 and became its president in 2016, but left a few months later. In 2017, he bought the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and has focused on it since.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

William Patrick Corgan Jr. was born in Chicago on March 17, 1967. He grew up in Illinois. His parents divorced when he was young. He lived with his father and stepmother for a time.

Corgan was a good athlete in elementary school. He loved baseball and collected many baseball cards. When he started high school, he became interested in playing the guitar. He saw a cool Gibson Flying V guitar at a friend's house. Corgan saved his money, and his father bought him a used guitar. He taught himself how to play. He listened to many different types of music, including hard rock and heavy metal music. In high school, he discovered alternative rock bands like Bauhaus and The Cure. Corgan played in several bands during high school and was an honor student. After graduating, he decided to focus on music full-time instead of going to college.

Music Career Journey

Starting Out (1985–1987)

Corgan moved to Florida in 1985 with his band, The Marked. They didn't find success there, so he moved back to Chicago. From 1987 to 1988, he played guitar in a Chicago band called Deep Blue Dream. He left that band to start his own project, The Smashing Pumpkins.

The Smashing Pumpkins Rise (1988–2000)

When Corgan returned to Chicago, he had a clear idea for his new band, The Smashing Pumpkins. He met guitarist James Iha at a record store, and they started making demo songs. Corgan met bassist D'arcy Wretzky after a local concert. Soon, the three of them formed The Smashing Pumpkins. They played at local clubs using a drum machine. To get a show at the Cabaret Metro in Chicago, they asked drummer Jimmy Chamberlin to join. The band played as a quartet for the first time on October 5, 1988.

Corgan in 1992

Adding Chamberlin changed the band's sound, making it heavier. Their first album, Gish (1991), mixed psychedelic rock with heavy metal music. Gish did well, but their next album, Siamese Dream, released in 1993, became a huge hit. Corgan later confirmed that he played all the guitar and bass parts on Siamese Dream. Critics loved the album, and songs like "Today", "Cherub Rock", and "Disarm" became popular.

The band's 1995 album, the double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, was even more successful. It produced many hit singles. This album was nominated for seven Grammy awards and sold over ten million copies in the United States. The song "1979" was Corgan's biggest hit at the time. During this period, Corgan also started shaving his head, a look he has kept since.

In 1998, the band released Adore. This album had a darker, more electronic sound. It was different from their previous work and had fewer sales.

Corgan performing in 1997

Chamberlin rejoined the band in 1999. In 2000, they released Machina/The Machines of God. During its recording, Wretzky left the band and was replaced by Melissa Auf der Maur. In 2000, the band also released Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music for free online. The Smashing Pumpkins broke up at the end of 2000, playing their last show on December 2, 2000.

New Bands and Solo Work (2001–2005)

After The Smashing Pumpkins, Corgan and Chamberlin formed a new band called Zwan in late 2001. Their debut album, Mary Star of the Sea, was released in 2003 and received good reviews. However, the band broke up in September 2003 due to disagreements.

In 2004, Corgan published Blinking with Fists, a book of poetry. It became a New York Times Best Seller. Around this time, he also started writing about his life online.

In 2004, Corgan began his solo music career. His first solo album, TheFutureEmbrace, was released in June 2005. It had an electronic and alternative rock sound. Corgan toured to support this album.

The Smashing Pumpkins Return (2005–Present)

In 2005, Corgan announced his wish to bring The Smashing Pumpkins back together. Jimmy Chamberlin agreed to rejoin.

On April 20, 2006, the band's website confirmed the reunion. The re-formed Smashing Pumpkins recorded new music and played their first show in seven years on May 22, 2007. New members Ginger Pooley (bass) and Jeff Schroeder (guitar) joined them. Their new album, Zeitgeist, was released in July 2007 and was very successful. Corgan and the band toured a lot in 2007 and 2008. Chamberlin left the band again in March 2009, but Corgan decided to continue with the Smashing Pumpkins name.

In 2009, Corgan formed the band Spirits in the Sky for a tribute concert. He later worked on a new Smashing Pumpkins album, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. The band, including new bassist Nicole Fiorentino, toured and recorded the album Oceania. However, Byrne and Fiorentino left the band in 2014.

In May 2014, Corgan released AEGEA, a solo album of experimental recordings. He also released tapes from his "Siddhartha" show. In summer 2014, he recorded The Smashing Pumpkins' ninth album, Monuments to an Elegy, with Tommy Lee and Jeff Schroeder. It was released in December 2014.

In October 2017, he released another solo album called Ogilala.

Corgan performing in 2019

In July 2018, The Smashing Pumpkins went on a reunion tour called the Shiny and Oh So Bright Tour. This tour focused on songs from their first five albums. The lineup included Corgan, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and Jeff Schroeder. Former bassist D'arcy Wretzky was not part of this reunion.

On November 22, 2019, Corgan released his third solo album, Cotillions. He described it as "a labor of love" and "absolutely an album from my heart." In July 2022, he and his partner, Chloe Mendel, hosted a charity show to help victims of a shooting in Highland Park, Illinois.

Professional Wrestling Promoter

Resistance Pro Wrestling (2011–2014)

In 2011, Corgan started his own independent wrestling company in Chicago called Resistance Pro. In 2013, he even appeared in a commercial to promote his wrestling company.

In March 2014, it was reported that Corgan was talking with AMC about a reality TV show about Resistance Pro. The show would follow Corgan as he took over the creative side of the wrestling company. AMC approved the show, calling it "Untitled Billy Corgan Wrestling Project."

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2015–2016)

In April 2015, Corgan became the Senior Producer of Creative and Talent Development for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). His job was to "develop characters and create story lines," which he called "a dream come true." In August 2016, Corgan became the president of TNA.

Corgan left TNA in November 2016 after disagreements about not being paid on time. He had loaned money to the company. Later, a settlement was reached, and Corgan was repaid.

National Wrestling Alliance (2017–Present)

In May 2017, Corgan bought the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). This included its name, rights, trademarks, and championship belts. Corgan officially took over the NWA on October 1, 2017, and it has been his main focus in professional wrestling since then.

Personal Life and Interests

Well-being

Corgan has spoken about his personal challenges. He believes these issues are linked to difficulties he faced as a child. He now supports groups that help people who have experienced similar problems.

Sports Fan

Corgan is a big fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. He often comments on the team for a radio station. He has attended many Cubs games, sometimes throwing the ceremonial first pitch or singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". He also supports the Chicago Bulls (basketball), Chicago Blackhawks (hockey), and Chicago Bears (football). He became friends with famous athletes like Dennis Rodman and Chris Chelios. Corgan is also a huge professional wrestling fan. He even appeared at an ECW event.

Beliefs

Corgan has explored different spiritual ideas, including elements of Catholicism, Buddhism, and other spiritual philosophies. In 2009, he launched a website called Everything From Here to There, which focuses on connecting the "Mind-Body-Soul." He has mentioned praying daily.

Family and Relationships

Corgan's mother, Martha, passed away in December 1996. He wrote the song "For Martha" from the album Adore in her memory. He also named his music label, Martha's Music, after her.

In 1993, Corgan married Chris Fabian, an artist he had dated for a long time. They divorced in 1997. Corgan later described the marriage as "unhappy."

From late 1995 to around 2004, Corgan dated Ukrainian photographer Yelena Yemchuk. She worked on several Smashing Pumpkins music videos and album art. Corgan said their breakup influenced his 2005 solo album, TheFutureEmbrace.

In 2013, Corgan began dating Chloe Mendel. They have two children: a son born in 2015 and a daughter born in 2018. On September 16, 2023, Billy announced that he and Chloe had gotten married.

Corgan's father, William Dale Corgan, passed away in December 2021 at age 74.

Diet and Business

Corgan became a pescetarian in 2013, meaning he eats fish but no other meat. In 2017, he started following a vegan and gluten-free diet. In 2012, he opened a tea house called Madame Zuzu's Tea House in Highland Park, Illinois. It closed in 2018 but reopened in a new location in 2020.

Collaborations and Other Work

Corgan (right) performing with Mark Tulin of The Electric Prunes at a benefit concert for Sky Saxon

Besides performing, Corgan has produced albums for other artists like Ric Ocasek and The Frogs. He also helped write songs for Hole's 1998 album Celebrity Skin. The title track became a No. 1 modern rock hit for Corgan. He also advised Marilyn Manson during the recording of their album Mechanical Animals. Corgan has created soundtracks for movies like Ransom (1996) and Stigmata (1999).

Corgan appeared at the 1996 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. He introduced one of his favorite bands, Pink Floyd. He played acoustic guitar with Pink Floyd when they performed "Wish You Were Here".

Corgan has also worked with many other musicians. He sang on a song called "Loki Cat" on Jimmy Chamberlin's solo album, Life Begins Again. He also sang with Robert Smith from The Cure on a cover of the Bee Gees' song "To Love Somebody". In 2007, Corgan provided vocals for the Scorpions' song "The Cross." He has collaborated with artists like Tony Iommi, David Bowie, New Order, and Marianne Faithfull.

Musical Style and Influences

Corgan wrote several articles for Guitar World magazine in 1995. His guitar solos for "Cherub Rock" and "Geek U.S.A." were listed among the top guitar solos of all time. Critics have called him one of the best rock guitarists of the 1990s. His solo for "Soma" was ranked No. 24 on Rolling Stone's list of top guitar solos. He is a fan of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Tony Iommi, and Jimi Hendrix.

His bass playing, which he has done on most Smashing Pumpkins albums, was influenced by post-punk bassists like Peter Hook.

Corgan has praised bands like Radiohead, calling them "one of the best" bands in the world. He also enjoys Pantera, Depeche Mode, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Rush, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Cure, and Metallica. He said that hearing the U2 song "New Year's Day" at age 16 made U2 "the most important band in the world" to him.

Instruments and Gear

Corgan performing in 2007

During the early Smashing Pumpkins days, Corgan often played a special '57 Reissue Fender Stratocaster guitar. This guitar had unique pickups and a switch he installed himself. It became his main guitar after his other '74 Strat was stolen (though he got it back in 2019).

Corgan used many different guitars on the Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness album. For example, he used a Les Paul Junior Reissue on "Where Boys Fear to Tread" and a '72 Gibson ES-335 on "Tonight Tonight".

In 2008, Fender released a Fender Stratocaster guitar designed by Corgan himself. This guitar was made to create his famous "buzzsaw" sound from the mid-1990s. It features special pickups and a unique bridge. When playing live, he uses his signature Strats, other Fender Strats, a Gibson Tony Iommi signature SG, and a Schecter C-1.

Corgan is known for using fuzz pedals, especially vintage versions of the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, to create his guitar sound.

In 2016, Reverend Guitars released the BC-1 Billy Corgan signature guitar. In 2018, they launched the Reverend Billy Corgan Signature Terz, which is an electric version of a 19th-century instrument.

Corgan has used Marshall and Diezel amplifiers. In 2020, he worked with Brian Carstens to create his own signature guitar amplifier called Grace.

In August 2017, Corgan sold a large collection of his instruments and gear that he used throughout his career.

Discography

Albums

Singles

As featured artist

Soundtrack work

• 1996: Ransom
• 1997: First Love, Last Rites ("When I Was Born, I Was Bored")
• 1999: Stigmata
• 2000: Any Given Sunday (Corgan is credited on "Be A Man" by Hole)
• 2002: Spun (Corgan wrote original songs for this soundtrack)
• 2006: "Dance of the Dead" (episode of Masters of Horror)
• 2007: When a Man Falls in the Forest (three previously unreleased songs)
• 2011: The Chicago Code (Corgan performs the opening theme, written by Robert Duncan)
• 2018: Rampage – "The Rage" Performed by Kid Cudi featuring vocals by Corgan (from the Smashing Pumpkins track Bullet with Butterfly Wings)

Albums featured

• 1991: Sparkle (by Catherine, The EP is produced by Corgan)
• 1994: Songs About Girls (by Catherine, The song "It's No Lie" is produced by Corgan)
• 1994: Chante Des Chanson Sur Les Filles (by Catherine, The EP is produced by Corgan as "Johhny Goat")
• 1994: Sleepy EP (by Catherine, The EP is produced by Corgan)
• 1996: Guitars That Rule the World, Vol. 2: Smell the Fuzz:The Superstar Guitar Album (by Various Artists, Corgan is credited as writer and performer of "Ascendo")
• 1997: Starjob (by The Frogs, The EP is produced by Corgan as "Johhny Goat")
• 1997: Troublizing (by Ric Ocasek, Corgan is credited as writer of "Asia Minor" and playing guitar on "The Next Right Moment", "Crashland Consequence", "Situation", "Fix on You" and "People We Know")
• 1998: Celebrity Skin (by Hole, Corgan is credited as co-writer of "Celebrity Skin", "Hit So Hard", "Malibu", "Dying" and "Petals")
• 1998: "I Belong to You" single (by Lenny Kravitz, Corgan remixed the second track "If You Can't Say No (Flunky in the attic Mix)")
• 1998: Mechanical Animals by Marilyn Manson, Corgan performed backing vocals on Speed of Pain, although not credited, he is thanked in the album credits.
• 1999: Paraphernalia (by Enuff Z'Nuff, Corgan is credited as guitarist on the song "Everything Works If You Let It")
• 2000: Iommi (by Tony Iommi, Corgan is credited as writer of and vocalist/bassist/additional guitarist on "Black Oblivion")
• 2001: Get Ready (by New Order, Corgan is contributing voice on "Turn My Way")
• 2002: Kissin Time (by Marianne Faithfull, Corgan is credited as writer of "Wherever I Go", "I'm on Fire" and contributing on "Something Good")
• 2003: "Lights Out" single (by Lisa Marie Presley, Corgan is credited as writer of "Savior")
• 2004: We Are Not Alone (by Breaking Benjamin, Corgan is credited as writer of "Follow", "Forget It" and "Rain")
• 2004: The Essential Cheap Trick (by Cheap Trick, Corgan is playing guitar on the live recording of the track "Mandocello")
• 2004: About a Burning Fire (by Blindside, Corgan is playing guitar on "Hooray, It's L.A.")
• 2005: Life Begins Again (by Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, Corgan is contributing voice on "Loki Cat")
• 2005: Blue-Sky Research (by Taproot, Corgan wrote the track "Lost in the Woods" and co-wrote the tracks "Violent Seas" and "Promise")
• 2006: ONXRT:Live From The Archives Volume 9 (A compilation CD from the radio station 93 WXRT in Chicago features the live recording of the track "A100")
• 2007: Humanity: Hour I (by Scorpions, Corgan is contributing voice on "The Cross")
• 2010: Nobody's Daughter (by Hole, Corgan is credited as co-writer of "Pacific Coast Highway", "Samantha" and "Loser Dust")
• 2010: See My Friends (by Ray Davies, Corgan is featured in the song "All Day And All of the Night/Destroyer")
• 2011: Ghost on the Canvas (by Glen Campbell, Corgan is featured in the song ."There's No Me... Without You")
• 2011: Fancy Space People (by Fancy Space People, Corgan is credited as engineer and playing guitar)
• 2014: Did You Miss Me (on The Veronicas by The Veronicas, guitar contributions)
• 2019: The Nothing (by Korn, Corgan is credited as co-writer of "You'll Never Find Me")
• 2019: Blvds of Splendor (by Cherie Currie, Corgan provides guitar, bass and Backing Vocals on "Blvds Of Splendor")
• 2019: Screamer (by Third Eye Blind, Corgan described as the "musical consigliere" of the album, and credited as co-writer of "Light It Up")
• 2020: Ceremony (by Phantogram, Corgan is credited as co-writer of "Into Happiness" and "Love Me Now")
• 2021: Bodies (by AFI, Corgan is credited as co-writer of "Dulcería")

See also

In Spanish: Billy Corgan para niños